As COVID-19 cases rise again, many students are grudgingly planning to take precautions.
“If push comes to shove, we put our masks back on,” said Kamryn Davis, a sophomore in Computer Graphics Technology. “I always keep hand sanitiser on me. I try to keep my distance with people [and] try not to be around sick people. I feel like it’s basic … to stay safe and keep your distance.”
The Indiana Department of Health reports the state experienced a 47.5% rise in COVID-19 cases from 3,554 cases in July to 7,464 in August. Lake County, home to the Hammond campus, reported 466 cases in August; LaPorte County, home to the Westville campus, reported 61.
Nationwide, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths rose by more than 21% in August. The newest variant, EG.5, also known as Eris, has become prevalent in the U.S. and is highly transmissible, according to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“I am going to take many measures to try and reduce the spread of the new variant,” said junior Jared Tulford, an English major. “I lost my mom to COVID a couple of years ago, so I will make sure to wear my mask everywhere I go.”
“I will also follow any other guidelines that are set out by the CDC, and make sure to stay home when I am not feeling well,” he said.
The CDC recommends that Americans stay updated on their COVID-19 vaccinations, including Getting the latest boosters, improving ventilation or avoiding enclosed settings, getting tested if symptoms appear, and avoiding people at a high risk of getting very sick. Updated boosters are expected to be available in the fall.
“I plan to be more cautious of public places or just being out around people,” said freshman Nursing candidate Naeomi Hayes. “I plan to practice social distancing as best as I can and wear my mask more often.”
Isaac Voldness, a sophomore in Communication, said he understands the risks and will take some precautions, but will not allow the virus to prevent him from enjoying college life.
“I won’t be going to any more big concerts. … I’ll get the new booster shot, start wearing a mask, and practice social distancing,” he said. “I’m here to continue my education, but to be completely honest, I’m here for the college experience.”
Other students say they are not worried at all.
“COVID-19 does not change my current way of living,” said Dru Johnson, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering. “I had it before and … I will beat it again.”
Jonathan Bradford and Leonard Powell also contributed to this story.
